Weekly Newspaper and Travel Guide for Ward County Trans Pecos, Big Bend of West Texas

Sports

Dec. 31, 1998

Rusty ladies team beats Fort Stockton

by Nathan RogersThe Lobo women went into this week's tournament well-rested,
but somewhat rusty. Why? They hadn't played basketball in
over a week. The UIL prohibits any sort fo school-sponsored
organized practices for athletic teams during the week
surrounding Christmas. Because of the restriction, the
Monahans women saw their first action in ten days in a game
against familiar opponent Ft. Stockton. The team did go
into Monday morning's game well-prepared, despite the
layoff. "When you've played a team three times this early
in the season, you have to know the team," said Coach Mike
Swigert, "and we are ready for them."

The women used the familiar lineup, including seniors Shayla
Terry, Dedra Wessels, Lori Enriquez, Tracie Jasso, and
sophomore Amanda Krone. The Pack jumped out to an early
lead, and ended the first quarter ahead 11-8. The team's
defense stiffened in the second period, holding the Prowlers
to a meager four points. The team went into the break with
a ten point lead, 22-10.

The Pack's defense retained its recent solidity and by
containing Ft. Stockton. The offense got the job done by
spreading it around, with all players, minus the
still-hobbled Jeanette Franco, scoring points. The third
quarter proved to be more of the same, with the defense
controlling the court. Both teams were held to a lower
output in the period, with Monahans maintaining the upper
hand and taking a 28-17 lead into the final stanza.

Defense again came through for the Loboes, but it was now
the shooters that secured a Wolfpack victory and a spot in
the championship bracket. Said Coach Swigert, "It is
extremely difficult to beat the same team four times in one
season, no matter the caliber of the team. Now we just have
to get ready for Reagan County."

The girls would be facing the day's next opponent in a
matter of hours. The foe would be the hometown heroes and
crowd-favorite Reagan County Owls. Because opponents are
determined merely hours before the opening tip-off, the
scouting report is simply done by the team. All the
preparation they have is watching their opponent in action
from the stands. "We knew Reagan County had a pretty good
team,"said Swigert, "but we didn't know specifics."

Using the same starting five as the first game, the Pack
came out of the blocks a little slower than usual. This was
due mostly to the lack of knowledge of the Owls' team. The
team ended the first period behind, 12-7. The second
quarter opened with an aggressive Monahans offense, balanced
by a stingy defense, and the women took a 19-17 lead into
the locker room.

The Pack sparked an offensive run during the third quarter,
and at one time led the game by 12. The third quarter ended
with the Loboes ahead, 31-25. Both teams exploded for an
offensive spectacular in the fourth quarter, but Monahans
held on for the 46-41 win.

Loboes fall to Stanton

by Nathan RogersAfter winning both games in the preliminary round of the
Reagan County Tournament, the Loboes looked toward Tuesday's
game with Stanton in confidence. The first ever game
against the Buffs was winnable: it was simply a matter of
performance. The somewhat rejuvenated offense would have to
produce the points, and the defense would need to continue
its tough containment.

"Stanton has a very good shooter, who scores a lot of their
points. They also have a very big post. To win, we need to
execute on offense, and play intense defense, to match up,"
said Coach Mike Swigert. The regular starting five took the
floor, and the game began.

Missed Lobo shots and a Stanton fast break resulted in the
Buffs taking the lead, 8-0. Post Dedra Wessels made two
crucial lay-ups, but the Pack ended the quarter behind,
14-6. A six minute scoreless drought by the Loboes was
ended midway through the second quarter by Tracie Jasso. A
halfcourt collision between Lori Enriquez and one of the
Buffs resulted in a short break as the shaken player was
helped off the court. The Pack's defense was having trouble
matching up equally, and the Buffs cruised to the halftime
lead of 24-9.

A spirited discussion in the locker room, led by Coach Mike,
seemed to aid the team in preparation for the second half.
"This is the worst defense we've ever played," said Swigert.
Although the third quarter started with a Monahans
offensive stand, the fast-paced Buffalo offense was too much
for the errant defense of the Loboes. Problems under the
boards ailed the team, and Stanton maintained the lead at
the close of the third period, 38-21.

With eight minutes left and 17 points to make up, the women
launched an offensive assault, led by guard Amber Rogers.
Rogers, who had 9 points in the last stanza buried a three
early in the fourth and floored a Stanton player with an
errant elbow. The Buffs guard was helped off the court, the
same as when she collided with Enriqez. No foul was called,
and the Loboes still had hope to catch the Stanton team.

The defense was still unable to stop the Buff scorers, and
the offense was unable to light up the board, resulting in
an ugly loss. The Pack outscored their foe in the last
period, but the original deficit proved to be too much, as
they fell 51-35. After the game, Swigert said, "That was
the worst defense we've played in four years. We couldn't
guard anyone, we couldn't stop anyone, we couldn't contain
anyone. We need to work. I wish we hadn't had to lay off
of practice for five days."

The semifinal loss to the Buffs set up a third place
showdown with the Greenwood Rangers, Wednesday at 2:00.
Greenwood is now in the same district as the Loboes, and
this will be their first game. Little is known, however,
because the system and head coach are both first year. What
will it take to capture the team's second third place title?
"We'll have to play defefnse, as usual," said Swigert.
"We're practicing this morning before we leave."

Cowboys pack district team

by Nathan RogersThe Grandfalls-Royalty Cowboys had five players on the
District 7-A first team, in addition to both the offensive
and defensive MVPs. Six Cowboys made the second team, and
three were named All-Stars. Making the team were: